Weihnachten kommit! Christmas is coming!

Visitors to Denver will have a chance to experience German culture by attending the Denver Christkindl Market starting Nov. 17, 2017, in Skyline Park. (Photo courtesy of Denver Christkindl Market)

While many cultures celebrate Christmas in different and unique ways, Denver offers visitors a chance to celebrate the season and experience German culture through the Denver Christkindl Market.

Steeped in tradition, Christkindl markets have been a European staple as early as the 14th century. While Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday it is not celebrated in Europe. Instead the last weeks of November mark the opening of the markets where family and friends gather to celebrate the season and shop for unique, modern and traditional items to give as gifts.

The German American Chamber of Commerce will host the traditional German Christkindl Market starting Nov. 17, 2017, in Skyline Park. This market will offer visitors a chance to experience a traditional German market and offer others a taste of home.

Traditional wooden stalls will line the walkways offering a range of decorations, gifts, food and drinks as traditional music plays in the background. Various performers will showcase their musical talents throughout the market, providing multiple shows each day.

A variety of food and drink will be offered by vendors to include traditional German fare such as rostbratwuerste, bratapfel and marzipanbrot. Other foods such as candied nuts, pastries, gingerbread cookies and pretzels have been offered in previous years and more will be added to this year’s lineup. Hot drinks can be found throughout the market.

Handcrafted items will be available for purchase such as German smokers and lighted paper stars to more modern items such as handcrafted winter gear and organic toiletries for the whole family.

The market will be open daily until Christmas Eve and will be lit up during evening hours, adding a touch of magic to the air.

Warm clothing is encouraged as well as comfortable shoes for walking. Garage and street parking is available for a small fee.